Surface compactor and method of operating a surface compactor

ABSTRACT

A method of operating a surface compactor is provided. The method may include supporting a base of the surface compactor on a surface. The method may also include generating a fluctuating vertical force on the base with a vibratory mechanism, which may include moving one or more weights of the vibratory mechanism with a drive system of the vibratory mechanism. Additionally, the method may include sensing a parameter of the operation of the vibratory mechanism that fluctuates in reaction to moving the one or more weights to generate the fluctuating vertical force. The method may also include automatically adjusting the operation of the vibratory mechanism to adjust the fluctuating vertical force based at least in part on the sensed parameter.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/797,027 filed Apr. 30, 2007.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to surface compactors and, moreparticularly, surface compactors that include at least one vibratorymechanism for generating a fluctuating vertical force on a base of thesurface compactor to enhance compaction of the surface underlying thebase.

BACKGROUND

Many projects require compacting a surface. For example various types ofconstruction projects may require compacting surfaces formed bysubstances like soil, gravel, and asphalt. Various types of specializedmachines exist for compacting such surfaces, including, but not limitedto, surface rollers and vibrating plates. Such surface compactorsoperate by applying downward force on the surface with a base of thesurface compactor, which base may include, for example, one or morerollers and/or one or more plates.

Some surface compactors include a vibratory mechanism for generating afluctuating vertical force on the base of the surface compactor toenhance surface compaction. The results achieved by such a surfacecompactor may depend in part on the amplitude of the fluctuatingvertical force generated by the vibratory mechanism. Accordingly, thereexist various control methods for adjusting the magnitude of thefluctuating vertical force to achieve different results. Unfortunately,the effect of any particular amplitude of the fluctuating vertical forcemay also depend on various other factors, such as the hardness of thesurface underlying the base. Thus, due to variations in operatingconditions, a control method that involves adjusting the amplitude ofthe fluctuating vertical force without some type of feedback related tothe effect of the fluctuating vertical force may fail to achieve thedesired results.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,298 to Sandstrom (“the '298 patent”) discloses usingan accelerometer to provide feedback for a method of controlling theamplitude of a fluctuating vertical force used to vibrate a roller.Inside the roller of the machine disclosed in the '298 patent, arotating weight generates a fluctuating vertical force, thereby excitingvibration of the roller. The accelerometer mounts to a frame thatattaches to the vibrating roller. The control method of the '298 patentinvolves processing the signal from the accelerometer and adjusting themagnitude of the fluctuating vertical force in response to certainoperating conditions indicated by the signal.

Although the '298 patent discloses a control method that uses feedbackabout the actual effect of the fluctuating vertical force on thevibrating roller when adjusting the magnitude of the fluctuatingvertical force, certain disadvantages persist. For example,accelerometers robust enough to survive in such an application for anextended period of time are typically relatively expensive.

The surface compactor and methods of the present disclosure solve one ormore of the problems set forth above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One disclosed embodiment relates to a method of operating a surfacecompactor. The method may include supporting a base of the surfacecompactor on a surface. The method may also include generating afluctuating vertical force on the base with a vibratory mechanism, whichmay include moving one or more weights of the vibratory mechanism with adrive system of the vibratory mechanism. Additionally, the method mayinclude sensing a parameter of the operation of the vibratory mechanismthat fluctuates in reaction to moving the one or more weights togenerate the fluctuating vertical force. The method may also includeautomatically adjusting the operation of the vibratory mechanism toadjust the fluctuating vertical force based at least in part on thesensed parameter.

Another embodiment relates to a surface compactor that includes a base.The surface compactor may also include a vibratory mechanism, which mayinclude a drive system that moves one or more weights in a manner thatgenerates a fluctuating vertical force on the base. Additionally, thesurface compactor may include a control system. The control system maysense a load in the surface compactor that fluctuates in reaction to thedrive system moving the one or more weights and generating thefluctuating vertical force. The control system may also adjust theoperation of the vibratory mechanism to adjust the fluctuating verticalforce based at least in part on the sensed load.

A further embodiment relates to a method of operating a surfacecompactor. The method may include supporting a base of the surfacecompactor on a surface. The method may also include generating afluctuating vertical force on the base with a vibratory mechanism, whichmay include moving one or more weights of the vibratory mechanism with adrive system of the vibratory mechanism. Additionally, the method mayinclude sensing a load on an actuator of the drive system of thevibratory mechanism. The method may also include adjusting the operationof the vibratory mechanism to reduce the magnitude of the fluctuatingvertical force in response to the sensed load fluctuating by an amountgreater than a reference value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates one embodiment of a surface compactor according tothe present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a sectional view through line 1B-1B of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is an enlarged view of the portion of FIG. 1B shown in circle1C;

FIG. 1D is a sectional view through line 1D-1D of FIG. 1C;

FIG. 1E is a sectional view through line 1E-1E of FIG. 1C;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a control methodaccording to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating another embodiment of a controlmethod according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate a surface compactor 10 according to the presentdisclosure supported on a surface 12. Surface compactor 10 may have abase 14 that rests on surface 12. Suspended from base 14, surfacecompactor 10 may include a frame 16, a vibratory mechanism 28 (shown inFIGS. 1B-1E), a power system 46, a propulsion system 48 (shown in FIG.1B), and a control system 50.

Base 14 may include one or more components of various configurations. Insome embodiments, base 14 may include one or more rollers, such as aroller 18 and a roller 20. One or more of the components of base 14 mayhave a coated or uncoated metal surface with a substantially straightprofile that contacts surface 12. For example, as FIGS. 1B and 1C show,roller 18 may have a coated or uncoated metal surface 22 with a straightprofile that rests on surface 12.

Frame 16 may link and/or support one or more components of surfacecompactor 10 together. For example, as FIG. 1A shows, frame 16 may linkrollers 18, 20. Additionally, frame 16 may support one or morecomponents of vibratory mechanism 28, power system 46, propulsion system48, and control system 50. Frame 16 may connect to each roller 18, 20 ina manner that allows each roller 18, 20 to rotate around itslongitudinal axis.

Vibratory mechanism 28 may include a drive system 30 and one or moreweights that drive system 30 moves in a manner to generate a fluctuatingvertical force on base 14. For example, as FIG. 1B shows, vibratorymechanism 28 may include a weight 32 and a weight 34, and drive system30 may include one or more components configured to rotate weights 32,34 around an axis 36 spaced from the center of gravity C_(g) of eachweight 32, 34. In some embodiments, for rotating weights 32, 34 aroundaxis 36, drive system 30 may have an actuator 38 with a rotary outputmember 39 drivingly connected to weight 32 and weight 34. Actuator 38may be, for example, a fluid-operated motor, such as a hydraulic motor,or an electric motor.

Drive system 30 may have the same drive ratio between rotary outputmember 39 and weight 32 as between rotary output member 39 and weight34. Drive system 30 may include a drive train 31 that connects rotaryoutput member 39 to weight 32 at a 1:1 drive ratio. Drive train 31 mayinclude a planetary gear set 40, a planetary gear set 42, and a rotarydrive member 44 connected in series between rotary output member 39 andweight 32. Drive system 30 may also include a rotary drive member 45connecting rotary output member 39 to weight 34 at a 1:1 drive ratio. AsFIGS. 1B-1E show, rotary drive member 45 may extend through the centerof rotary drive member 44.

In some embodiments and/or circumstances, in addition to providing equaldrive ratios, the connections between rotary drive member 39 and weights32, 34 may provide one angular relationship between rotary output member39 and weight 32 and a different angular relationship between rotaryoutput member 39 and weight 34. As FIG. 1E shows, this may result in anangle 52 around axis 36 between the center of gravity C_(g) of weight 32and the center of gravity C_(g) of weight 34.

Drive system 30 may include provisions for controlling angle 52. Forexample, drive system 30 may include an actuator 54 drivingly connectedto a ring gear 56 of planetary gear set 42 in a manner allowing actuator54 to control the rotary position of ring gear 56. In some embodiments,actuator 54 may be a linear fluid-operated actuator, such as a hydrauliccylinder. Actuator 54 may include a cylinder 55, a piston 57 disposedinside cylinder 55, and a drive member 59 extending from piston 57 outof cylinder 55. Piston 57 may divide the inside of cylinder 55 into achamber 65 and a chamber 67. Control system 50 may activate actuator 54to move drive member 59 in a direction 60 by increasing fluid pressurein chamber 65 and/or decreasing fluid pressure in chamber 67. Similarly,control system 50 may activate actuator 54 to move drive member 59 in anopposite direction 61 by increasing fluid pressure in chamber 67 and/ordecreasing fluid pressure in chamber 65.

As best shown in FIG. 1D, drive member 59 may connect to a rack 58 thatengages ring gear 56 through gear teeth (not shown). When not activated,actuator 54 may hold ring gear 56 in a fixed position. With the positionof ring gear 56 fixed and rotary output member 39 connected to weights32, 34 at equal drive ratios, the magnitude of angle 52 may remainfixed, and actuator 38 may rotate weights 32, 34 around axis 36 in thesame direction and at the same speed.

When activated, actuator 54 may drive rack 58 in direction 60 ordirection 61, thereby rotating ring gear 56 in a direction 62 or adirection 63. Rotating ring gear 56 in direction 62 with actuator 54 mayrotate weight 32 in direction 62 relative to weight 34, therebydecreasing angle 52. Similarly, rotating ring gear 56 in direction 63with actuator 54 may rotate weight 32 in direction 63 relative to weight34, thereby increasing angle 52.

Vibratory mechanism 28 may mount in various locations on surfacecompactor 10. As FIGS. 1B-1E show, in some embodiments, one or moreportions of vibratory mechanism 28 may mount inside roller 18.

The configuration of vibratory mechanism 28 is not limited to theexamples discussed above. Drive system 30 may include different typesand/or arrangements of components for connecting actuators 38, 54 toweights 32, 34. Additionally, drive system 30 may have a differentnumber and/or different types of actuators than discussed above. Forexample, the actuators for moving weights 32, 34 may include a firsthydraulic motor for moving one of weights 32, 34 and a second hydraulicmotor for moving the other of weights 32, 34. In such an embodiment, thefirst and second hydraulic motors may be hydraulically connected inseries, such that hydraulic fluid flows to the first hydraulic motorfirst and then to the second hydraulic motor. Furthermore, in additionto, or instead of, rotating weights 32, 34 around axis 36 to generatefluctuating vertical force, drive system 30 may move one or more weightsin a different manner to generate fluctuating vertical force. Forexample, drive system 30 may generate fluctuating vertical force bylinearly oscillating one or more weights.

Power system 46 may include one or more components for supplying powerin a form that drive system 30 can use to control the motion of weights32, 34. For example, as FIG. 1B shows, power system 46 may include apower source 64, such as an engine, a power-conversion unit 66. Powersource 64 may supply mechanical power and power-conversion unit 66 mayconvert mechanical power from power source 64 into a form useable byactuators 38, 54. In embodiments where actuators 38, 54 use fluid power,power-conversion unit 66 may be a pump. Similarly, in embodiments whereactuators 38, 54 use electricity, power-conversion unit 66 may be anelectric generator.

Power system 46 may include a power-transfer system 68 for supplyingpower from power-conversion unit 66 to actuators 38, 54. In embodimentswhere actuators 38, 54 use fluid power, power-transfer system 68 mayinclude plumbing for supplying fluid to and/or from actuators 38, 54.Similarly, in embodiments where actuators 38, 54 use electricity,power-transfer system 68 may include one or more circuits for supplyingelectricity to actuators 38, 54. Power-transfer system 68 may includepower-flow regulators 70, 72, such as valves or electric currentregulators, for regulating the flow of power to actuators 38, 54.

Power system 46 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1B.For example, power system 46 may have different numbers and/orarrangements of components than discussed above. In some embodiments,actuator 38 and actuator 54 may use different types of power, and powersystem 46 may include different components for supplying power toactuator 38 than for supplying power to actuator 54. Additionally, inplace of power source 64, power system 46 may include components forreceiving power from one or more power sources external to surfacecompactor 10.

Propulsion system 48 may include one or more components of power system46 and one or more components operable to propel surface compactor 10with power supplied by power system 46. For example, propulsion system48 may include power source 64, power-conversion unit 66, and anactuator 74 operable to rotate roller 18 around its longitudinal axiswith power from power-conversion unit 66. Actuator 74 may be, forexample, a hydraulic motor or an electric motor.

Control system 50 may include any components operable to control theoperation of surface compactor 10 as described hereinbelow. In someembodiments, control system 50 may include power-flow regulators 70, 72and a controller 76. Controller 76 may include one or more processors(not shown) and one or more memory devices (not shown). Control system50 may have a configuration that enables controller 76 to controlvibratory mechanism 28. For example, control system 50 may havecontroller 76 may operatively connected to power-flow regulators 70, 72so that controller 76 may control actuators 38, 54 by controlling theflow of power to them.

Control system 50 may also include various sources of information thatcontroller 76 may use as factors in controlling vibratory mechanism 28.For example, as FIG. 1A shows, control system 50 may include an operatorinterface 78 that transmits signals related to operator inputs tocontroller 76. Additionally, control system 50 may include one or moresensors, such as a sensor 80 and a sensor 81 (FIGS. 1B-1D), that providecontroller 76 with information about one or more parameters of theoperation of surface compactor 10. In some embodiments, sensors 80 and81 may be pressure sensors that sense pressure in the operating fluid inchamber 65 and chamber 67 (FIG. 1D), respectively, and supply signalsindicating the sensed pressures to controller 76. Because the differencein pressure between chamber 65 and chamber 67 corresponds to the load onactuator 54, the signals supplied by sensors 80, 81 may collectivelyindicate the load on actuator 54 to controller 76.

Control system 50 is not limited to the examples discussed above. Forexample, in addition to, or in place of, controller 76 and power-flowregulators 70, 72, control system 50 may include various other controlcomponents for controlling the operation of vibratory mechanism 28dependent on operator inputs and/or operating conditions of surfacecompactor 10. Additionally, sensors 80, 81 may sense the pressure ofoperating fluid in plumbing connected to chambers 65, 67, rather thansensing the pressure in chambers 65, 67 directly. Furthermore, controlsystem 50 may sense the load on actuator 54 in some way other thansensing the pressure in operating fluid of actuator 54. For example,sensor 80 or sensor 81 may sense stress in a component of actuator 54 orstress in a component connected to actuator 54. Moreover, sensor 80and/or sensor 81 may sense a load other than the load on actuator 54,such as a load on rotary drive member 45, a load in drive train 31, or aload on actuator 38. Furthermore, sensor 80 may sense a parameter of theoperation of vibratory mechanism 28 other than a load, such as theinstantaneous speed of one or more components of drive system 30.Additionally, in embodiments where drive system 30 includes one actuatorfor moving weight 32 and another actuator for moving weight 34, sensor80 may sense a parameter related to the interaction between the twoactuators. For example, in embodiments where drive system 30 includes ahydraulic motor for driving weight 32, includes a hydraulic motor fordriving weight 34, and has the two hydraulic motors hydraulicallyconnected in series, sensor 80 may sense pressure in hydraulic fluidflowing between the hydraulic motors.

Additionally, the general configuration of surface compactor 10 is notlimited to the examples discussed above in connection with FIGS. 1A-1E.For example, base 14 may have a different configuration than shown inFIGS. 1A-1C. In addition to, or in place of, roller 18 and/or roller 20,base 14 may have one or more other components of various types that reston surface 12, including, but not limited to, runners, plates, wheels,and track units. In some embodiments, a single component, such as aplate, may compose base 14. Additionally, surface compactor 10 may omitpropulsion system 48.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Surface compactor 10 may have application for any task requiringcompacting a surface 12. Downward force applied by base 14 may compactthe portion of surface 12 under base 14. An operator may compactdifferent portions of surface 12 by moving base 14 along surface 12,such as by activating propulsion system 48 to roll rollers 18, 20 alongsurface 12.

Vibratory mechanism 28 may help surface compactor 10 compact surface 12more effectively by generating fluctuating vertical force on base 14. AsFIG. 1E shows, when rotated around axis 36 by drive system 30, weights32, 34 generate centrifugal forces F_(c1), F_(c2), which combine to forma net centrifugal force F_(cn) on surface compactor 10. Net centrifugalforce F_(cn) may include two components: a net vertical force F_(vn) anda net horizontal force F_(hn). The net centrifugal force F_(cn) mayrotate with weights 32, 34. As a result, during each revolution ofweights 32, 34, the net vertical force F_(vn) may fluctuate between anupward force equal to the net centrifugal force F_(cn) when netcentrifugal force F_(cn) points directly upward and a downward forceequal to the net centrifugal force F_(cn) when net centrifugal forceF_(cn) points downward. Thus, the net vertical force F_(vn) mayfluctuate at the same frequency that weights 32, 34 rotate around axis36, hereinafter referred to as the excitation frequency. The fluctuatingnet vertical force F_(vn) may transfer to base 14 through one or moreload paths in surface compactor 10.

Control system 50 may adjust the magnitude of the net centrifugal forceF_(cn), and thus the amplitude of fluctuation of the net vertical forceF_(vn), by operating actuator 54 to adjust angle 52. Decreasing angle 52reduces the angle between the individual centrifugal forces F_(c1),F_(c2) so that they add to one another to a greater extent, resulting ina larger net centrifugal force F_(cn) and a larger amplitude offluctuation of the net vertical force F_(vn). Reducing angle 52 mayproduce the opposite effect.

Generally, increasing the amplitude of fluctuation of the net verticalforce F_(vn) provides more effective compaction of surface 12. However,at some point as the amplitude of fluctuation of the net vertical forceF_(vn) increases, the fluctuating net vertical force F_(vn) may causebase 14 to separate from surface 12. For example, if its amplitudebecomes large enough, the fluctuating net vertical force F_(vn) maycause a behavior referred to as “double jumping.” This behavior involvesbase 14 bouncing off of surface 12 during every other cycle of thefluctuating net vertical force F_(vn), remaining in the air for a fullcycle of the fluctuating net vertical force F_(vn) between each bounce.In other words, during double jumping, base 14 lifts off of and fallsback to surface 12 at half the excitation frequency. Double jumping mayundermine the goal of compacting surface 12 because the impact each timebase 14 falls back to surface 12 may pulverize the material formingsurface 12.

In addition to producing the fluctuating net vertical force F_(vn),rotating weights 32, 34 around axis 36 may cause one or more otherparameters of the operation of surface compactor 10 to fluctuate. Asdrive system 30 rotates weights 32 and 34, the horizontal distancebetween the center of gravity C_(g) of each weight 32, 34 and axis 36may vary sinusoidally. As a result, the torque on drive train 31 androtary drive system 45 from gravitational forces on weights 32, 34 mayalso vary sinusoidally. This may generate fluctuating loads on variouscomponents in drive system 30, including a fluctuating load on actuator54. The fluctuating loads may cause the velocity of one or morecomponents of drive system 30 to fluctuate. Additionally, various otherparameters of the operation of drive system 30 may fluctuate in reactionto rotating weights 32, 34 around axis 36. For example, in anembodiments where actuator 38 and/or actuator 54 is an electric motor,rotating weights 32, 34 around axis 36 to generate the fluctuating netvertical force F_(vn) may generate fluctuation in one or more parametersof electrical activity in electrical coils of actuator 38 and/oractuator 54.

The amplitude of load fluctuations in drive system 30 may change ascontrol system 50 adjusts the operation of vibratory mechanism 28 tochange the amplitude of fluctuation in the net vertical force F_(vn).For example, the amplitude of load fluctuations in drive system 30 mayincrease abruptly when the amplitude of fluctuation in the net verticalforce F_(n) becomes large enough to cause base 14 to separate fromsurface 12. After base 14 separates from surface 12, the impact whenbase 14 falls back to surface 12 may jolt weights 32, 34, which maygenerate a spike in the loads in drive system 30, including the load onactuator 54.

Additionally, the time pattern of load fluctuations in drive system 30may depend on the amplitude of the fluctuating net vertical forceF_(vn). Loads in drive system 30 may fluctuate during each cycle of thefluctuating net vertical force F_(vn) (i.e. at the excitationfrequency), regardless of the amplitude of the fluctuating net verticalforce F_(vn). However, some amplitudes of the fluctuating net verticalforce F_(vn) may result in larger amplitude load fluctuations in drivesystem 30 during some cycles than during other cycles.

For example, amplitudes of the fluctuating net vertical force F_(vn)high enough to cause double jumping may produce such a result. Duringdouble jumping, the load fluctuations occurring in drive system 30 atthe excitation frequency may include relatively large amplitudefluctuations during those cycles when base 14 impacts surface 12 andsignificantly smaller amplitude fluctuations during the alternate cycleswhen base 14 is in the air. In mathematical terms, load fluctuations indrive system 30 during double jumping may include a relatively largeamplitude component at half the excitation frequency and a significantlysmaller amplitude component at the excitation frequency.

In contrast, when the fluctuating net vertical force F_(vn) has anamplitude low enough that base 14 remains in continuous contact withsurface 12, loads in drive system 30 may fluctuate approximately thesame amount during each cycle of the fluctuating net vertical forceF_(vn). Accordingly, under such circumstances, the amplitude of loadfluctuations in drive system 30 at half the excitation frequency may notdiffer significantly from the amplitude of load fluctuations at theexcitation frequency.

Control system 50 may capitalize on the operating characteristicsdiscussed above with a control method that involves automaticallyadjusting the operation of vibratory mechanism 28 based at least in parton a fluctuating load or a related parameter of the operation ofvibratory mechanism 28. FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of such acontrol method. In this method, control system 50 may sense themagnitude of a fluctuating parameter (step 82). For example, asmentioned above, sensors 80, 81 may collectively sense the load onactuator 54. Simultaneously, control system 50 may determine whether theamplitude of fluctuation in the sensed parameter exceeds a firstreference value (step 86). For example, controller 76 may process thesignals from sensors 80, 81 to determine whether the amplitude of thefluctuation in the load on actuator 54 exceeds the reference value. Ifthe amplitude of the fluctuation in the sensed parameter does not exceedthe reference value, control system 50 may adjust the operation ofvibratory mechanism 28 to increase the amplitude of the fluctuating netvertical force F_(vn) (step 88). Control system 50 may continue doing sountil the amplitude of the fluctuation in the sensed parameter doesexceed the first reference value (step 86).

When the amplitude of fluctuation in the sensed parameter exceeds thefirst reference value, control system 50 may adjust the operation ofvibratory mechanism 28 to decrease the amplitude of the fluctuating netvertical force F_(vn) (step 90). Control system 50 may then determinewhether the amplitude of fluctuation in the sensed parameter has droppedbelow a second reference value (step 92). If not, control system 50 mayagain adjust the operation of vibratory mechanism 28 to decrease theamplitude of the fluctuating net vertical force F_(vn) (step 90). Oncethe amplitude of fluctuation in the sensed parameter falls below thesecond reference value (step 92), control system 50 may adjust theoperation of vibratory mechanism 28 to increase the amplitude of thefluctuating net vertical force F_(vn) (step 88). As before, controlsystem 50 may continue doing so until the amplitude of fluctuation inthe sensed parameter exceeds the first reference value (step 86).

Depending on the specific objective for implementing the control methodshown in FIG. 2, control system 50 may use various values as the firstreference value and the second reference value. Each reference value mayhave a fixed value, or control system 50 may determine the referencevalue as a function of one or more operating parameters. In someembodiments, the first reference value may substantially correspond toan amplitude of fluctuation in the sensed parameter that occurs when theamplitude of the fluctuating net vertical force F_(nv) becomes largeenough to cause base 14 to separate from and fall back to surface 12.Such a value may be determined empirically. By using such a value as thefirst reference value in the control method shown in FIG. 2, controlsystem 50 may enhance compaction of surface 12 by keeping the amplitudeof the fluctuating net vertical force F_(nv) high while keeping base 14on surface 12 a high percentage of the time.

Strategies for automatically adjusting the operation of vibratorymechanism 28 based on one or more operating parameters are not limitedto the examples discussed in connection with FIG. 2. For example,control system 50 may implement a control strategy that involvescomparing the amplitude of fluctuation in the sensed parameter to feweror more reference values to determine whether and which way to adjustthe amplitude of the fluctuating net vertical force F_(vn).Additionally, in combination with, or in place of, using the first andsecond reference values as triggers for adjusting operation of vibratorymechanism 28, control system 50 may implement various other types ofcontrol strategies based at least in part on the sensed parameter. Forexample, control system 50 may control vibratory mechanism 28 based onlookup tables, equations, or similar means that define one or moredesired relationships between the sensed parameter and one or moreparameters of the operation of vibratory mechanism 28. Furthermore, insome embodiments, control system 50 may implement a control strategythat involves controlling vibratory mechanism 28 based on one or moreparticular frequency components of the sensed parameter.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of such a control method. In thiscontrol method, control system 50 may sense the magnitude of afluctuating parameter (step 94). For example, as discussed above,sensors 80, 81 may collectively sense the load on actuator 54 andindicate it to controller 76. Simultaneously, control system 50 maydetermine the amplitude of a first frequency component of the sensedparameter (step 96). For example, controller 76 may determine theamplitude of the component of the sensed parameter at the excitationfrequency. Control system 50 may also determine the amplitude of asecond frequency component of the sensed parameter (step 98). Forexample, controller 76 may determine the amplitude of the component ofthe sensed parameter at half the excitation frequency. Control system 50may use any suitable signal-processing technique to determine theamplitudes of the first and second frequency components of the sensedparameter. After determining the amplitude of the first and secondfrequency components of the sensed parameter, control system 50 maydetermine the ratio of the amplitude of the second frequency componentto the amplitude of the first frequency component (step 100).

Control system 50 may employ the ratio of the amplitude of the secondfrequency component to the amplitude of the first frequency component invarious ways to achieve various objectives. In some embodiments, controlsystem 50 may determine whether the ratio exceeds a first referencevalue (step 102) and, if so, adjust the operation of vibratory mechanism28 to decrease the magnitude of the fluctuating net vertical forceF_(vn) (step 104). Control system 50 may use various values as the firstreference value. The first reference value may have a fixed value, orcontrol system 50 may define the first reference value as a function ofone or more operating conditions of surface compactor 10. In someembodiments, the first reference value may substantially correspond to aratio of the amplitudes of the first and second frequency componentsthat occurs when surface compactor 10 begins double jumping. Byemploying this value as a trigger for reducing the magnitude of thefluctuating net vertical force F_(vn), control system 50 may minimize oreliminate double jumping.

After reducing the amplitude of the fluctuating net vertical force (step104), control system 50 may determine whether the ratio of the amplitudeof the second frequency component to the amplitude of the firstfrequency component has dropped below a second reference value (step106). If not, control system 50 may again adjust the operation ofvibratory mechanism 28 to reduce the magnitude of the fluctuating netvertical force F_(vn) (step 104). Once the ratio falls below the secondreference value (step 106), control system 50 may begin adjusting theoperation of vibratory mechanism 28 to increase the magnitude of thefluctuating net vertical force F_(vn) (step 108). Control system 50 maycontinue doing so until the ratio of the amplitude of the secondfrequency component to the amplitude of the first frequency componentagain exceeds the first reference value (step 102).

Control system 50 may use various values as the second reference value.The second reference value may have a fixed value, or control system 50may define the second reference value as a function of one or moreoperating conditions of surface compactor 10.

Control strategies that involve controlling vibratory mechanism 28 basedon one or more particular frequency components of the sensed parameterare not limited to the examples provided above. For example, controlsystem 50 may control vibratory mechanism 28 based on two frequencycomponents of the sensed parameter other than the component at theexcitation frequency and the component at half the excitation frequency.Additionally, control system 50 may control vibratory mechanism 28 basedon more than or less than two frequency components of the sensedparameter. Furthermore, in addition to, or in place of, using the firstand second reference values as triggers for adjusting operation ofvibratory mechanism 28, control system 50 may implement various othertypes of control strategies based at least in part on one or morefrequency components of the sensed parameter. For example, controlsystem 50 may control vibratory mechanism 28 based on lookup tables,equations, or similar means that define desired relationships betweenone or more particular frequency components of the sensed parameter andone or more parameters of the operation of vibratory mechanism 28.

Additionally, the general operation of surface compactor 10 is notlimited to the examples discussed above. For example, rather thansensing the magnitude of the load on actuator 54, control system 50 maysense the magnitude of some other parameter of the operation ofvibratory mechanism 28 that fluctuates in reaction to vibratorymechanism 28 generating the fluctuating net vertical force F_(vn).Similarly, in place of sensing a parameter of the operation of vibratorymechanism 28, control system 50 may sense a load that fluctuates in someother portion of surface compactor 10 in reaction to vibratory mechanism28 generating the fluctuating net vertical force F_(vn). Furthermore, inembodiments where vibratory mechanism 28 generates the fluctuating netvertical force F_(vn) in a manner other than by rotating weights 32, 34around axis 36, control system 50 may use a different approach to adjustthe amplitude of the fluctuating net vertical force F_(vn).

The disclosed embodiments may enable surface compactor 10 to performhighly effectively with relatively low cost components. As discussedabove, control system 50 may achieve various performance advantages byautomatically adjusting one or more aspects of the operation ofvibratory mechanism 28 based on one or more parameters of operation thatfluctuate in reaction to vibratory mechanism 28 generating thefluctuating net vertical force F_(vn). Additionally, using parameterssuch as those discussed above as the basis for adjusting the operationof vibratory mechanism 28 may allow use of relatively low-cost sensingmethods.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the surface compactor andmethods without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Otherembodiments of the disclosed surface compactor and methods will beapparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of thespecification and practice of the surface compactor and methodsdisclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples beconsidered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure beingindicated by the following claims and their equivalents.

1. A method of operating a surface compactor, comprising: supporting abase of the surface compactor on a surface; generating a fluctuatingvertical force on the base with a vibratory mechanism, including movingone or more at least two weights of the vibratory mechanism with drivesystem of the vibratory mechanism; sensing a parameter of the operationof the vibratory mechanism that fluctuates in reaction to moving the oneor more weights to generate the fluctuating vertical force; andautomatically adjusting the operation of the vibratory mechanism bymoving at least two weights of the vibratory mechanism relative to oneanother to adjust the fluctuating vertical force based at least in parton the sensed parameter.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein automaticallyadjusting the operation of the vibratory mechanism to adjust thefluctuating vertical force based at least in part on the sensedparameter includes adjusting the operation of the vibratory mechanism toreduce the amplitude of the fluctuating vertical force in response tothe amplitude of the sensed parameter exceeding a reference value. 3.The method of claim 2, wherein the reference value substantiallycorresponds to an amplitude of the sensed parameter that occurs when theamplitude of the fluctuating vertical force becomes large enough tocause the base to separate from the surface.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein sensing a parameter of the operation of the vibratory mechanismthat fluctuates in reaction to moving the one or more weights togenerate the fluctuating vertical force includes sensing a load in thevibratory mechanism.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein: the drive systemincludes an actuator for adjusting the relative position of the weights;and sensing a parameter of the operation of the vibratory mechanism thatfluctuates in reaction to moving the one or more weights to generate thefluctuating vertical force includes sensing a parameter of the operationof load on the actuator.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein: the baseincludes a roller; and the method further includes rolling the rolleracross the surface.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein: the drive systemincludes a fluid-operated actuator for adjusting the relative positionof the weights; and sensing a parameter of the operation of the drivesystem includes sensing pressure in the operating fluid for theactuator.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein automatically adjusting theoperation of the vibratory mechanism to adjust the fluctuating verticalforce based at least in part on the sensed parameter includesautomatically adjusting the operation of the vibratory mechanism toadjust the amplitude of the fluctuating vertical force based at least inpart on a relationship between a first frequency component of the sensedparameter and a second frequency component of the sensed parameter. 9.The method of claim 8, wherein: the first frequency component is thefluctuation in the sensed parameter at the frequency of the fluctuatingvertical force; and the second frequency component is the fluctuation inthe sensed parameter at half the frequency of the fluctuating verticalforce.
 10. A surface compactor, comprising: a base; a vibratorymechanism, including a drive system that moves one or more at least twoweights in a manner that generates a fluctuating vertical force on thebase, the drive system including an actuator to move the weightsrelative to one another to change a net centrifugal force generated bythe weights as the weights rotate; a control system that senses a loadin the surface compactor that fluctuates in reaction to the drive systemmoving the one or more weights and generating the fluctuating verticalforce, wherein the control system adjusts the operation of the vibratorymechanism to adjust the fluctuating vertical force based at least inpart on the sensed load.
 11. The surface compactor of claim 10, whereinthe control system includes a sensor adapted to sense the load in thesurface compactor, the load being in the vibratory mechanism.
 12. Asurface compactor, comprising: a base; a vibratory mechanism, includinga drive system that moves at least two weights in a manner thatgenerates a fluctuating vertical force on the base, the drive systemincluding an actuator to move the weights relative to one another tochange a net centrifugal force generated by the weights as the weightsrotate; and a control system that senses a load in the surface compactorthat fluctuates in reaction to the drive system moving the one or moreweights and generating the fluctuating vertical force, wherein thecontrol system adjusts the operation of the vibratory mechanism toadjust the fluctuating vertical force based at least in part on thesensed load, wherein the control system includes a sensor adapted tosense the load in the surface compactor, the load being on an actuator.13. The surface compactor of claim 12, wherein: the actuator is afluid-operated actuator; and the sensor is a pressure sensor adapted tosense pressure in the operating fluid for the actuator.
 14. The surfacecompactor of claim 12, wherein the actuator is part of the vibratorymechanism.
 15. The surface compactor of claim 10, wherein the controlsystem is adapted to adjust the vibratory mechanism to reduce theamplitude of the fluctuating vertical force in response to an amplitudeof the sensed load exceeding reference value.
 16. The surface compactorof claim 15, wherein the reference value substantially corresponds to anamplitude of the sensed load that occurs when the amplitude of thefluctuating vertical force becomes large enough to cause the base toseparate from an underlying surface.
 17. A method of operating a surfacecompactor, the method comprising: supporting a base of the surfacecompactor on a surface; generating a fluctuating vertical force on thebase with a vibratory mechanism, including moving one or more weights ofthe vibratory mechanism with a drive system of the vibratory mechanism;sensing a load on an actuator of the drive system of the vibratorymechanism; and adjusting the operation of the vibratory mechanism toreduce the magnitude of the fluctuating vertical force in response tothe sensed load fluctuating by an amount greater than a reference value.18. The method of claim 17, wherein adjusting the operation of thevibratory mechanism to reduce the magnitude of the fluctuating verticalforce includes activating the actuator to adjust the relative positionbetween two or more components of the vibratory mechanism.
 19. Themethod of claim 17, wherein: the actuator is a fluid-operated actuator;and sensing a load on the actuator includes sensing pressure in theoperating fluid for the actuator.
 20. The method of claim 17, whereinthe reference value substantially corresponds to an amplitude offluctuation in the sensed load that occurs when the amplitude of thefluctuating vertical force becomes large enough to cause the base toseparate from the surface.